An African Version of a Muscle Vehicle – Inspired By the Terrain

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Gas hungry! Enormous, high ground clearance, steel framing …. you name it. Such are the names used to describe muscle cars. We have seen them in hip-hop, the Hummer especially and we have seen them in war films, the stripped down jeeps used for military operations. At least, we all have an inkling of an idea of muscle cars.

Mobius is designed for the African terrain.

In many places, muscle cars are associated with high speed, rumbling V8 engines and very light weight. Back home in Africa, we think different because while muscle cars are made for aesthetics in America, here, they are made for functionality, for the terrain and for the unforgiving African climate. A few companies have seen the glaring vacuum for vehicles suitable for the African terrain and they have risen to the occasion very well.

Here, we shall consider Mobius Motors, perhaps the pioneers of the first rugged terrain car for Kenya.

Maybe it was the same idea that inspired Joel Jackson or maybe it was his love for Africa but thanks to him and a couple other pioneers, we now have a “car for Africa”. It is the most ideal workhorse, made for all terrains, a beast that performs better off road than on the road.

Built at the interface of local and imported technology, Mobius brands come to rescue the African transport industry, literally. Right from the design of the main frame and other systems, one can surely tell by all standards that this is the car by Africans and for Africa. The systems are up to the task and a result of integration of pocket friendly parts that are easily available in Africa and other locally structured materials. Taking an example of Mobius One, this piece of work has a 2000cc Toyota engine and Yamaha transmission cable. Such parts are readily available for purchase in Africa. The core frame of this vehicle is designed perfectly to take these parts and operate to give high performance.

Tests…improve….test….

Mobius motors have invested heavily in the area of testing and improvement as it is the only way quality and performance can be guaranteed to the buyer.

To wrap up the development, the vehicle is taken through a process of rigorous testing for several months to assure on quality and identification of possible and deserved improvements. During this time, the vehicle is tested for off-road and on-road stability in a variety of environments.

During such a phase, the first prototype, Mobius one revealed complications such as engine overheating, and the need to have the wheels re-aligned. They were promptly addressed thus raising the safety standards of this vehicle.

Mobius-Two is an improvement of Mobius- more stable.

Pimped the African way

Framing, assembling and testing just is having the production work done. But just who is ready to take it to market before finishing and pimping? Finishing makes the vehicle “sellable” and more eye-catching. A combination of aluminum sheets and canvas material are used to make the outer shell around the main frame to improve on the beauty and appearance. These vehicles look bare indeed, because the builders have left out all the non-essential additions that most other vehicles have.

Light weight and optimized power

The newly launched prototype of Mobius two has now already been driven for over 2,500 kilometers in Kenya and its ability in rugged terrain has been proven beyond reasonable doubt.

Mobius uses simple but strong tubular steel frame. This not only lowers the weight of the structure but also minimizes the cost as less material is used. This in effect lowers the excessive weight that the engine has to pull-no wonder the engine still affords the luxury of ability to pull up to 500kg load. This is not of course forgetting that the body stands at about 35 cm off the ground thus making it the ultimate choice for off-road adventure. This vehicle is also spacious enough to accommodate as many as six or eight occupants.

Conclusion

Mobius motors presents the true solution for the African transport woes. It is best to imagine it as a solution that carries the power of Toyota in the engine, and the authenticity of the locally made parts, well backed by the familiarity of these designs to the local mechanics. Solving simple and mild upsets is therefore not a big bother for the user of this car.

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Ngugi Karani, from Nairobi Kenya, has been writing for Afroautos since its inception. He believes that Africa needs better road transport for transformation. He writes on technology, development and cars. He is inspired by the spirit and passion of the African people to rise above all odds.